By Sumesh Rajan | September 1, 2026
Pune, Maharashtra, INDIA: A 30-year-old man was allegedly beaten to death by his parents following an argument over his demand for non-vegetarian food while intoxicated during the holy month of Shravan at their home in Pune's Warje-Malwadi area, police said.
The deceased has been identified as Mahesh Bhagwat Gaikwad, 30, a casual worker. Police have arrested his father, Bhagwat Suryabhan Gaikwad, 64, and mother, Parvati Bhagwat Gaikwad, 60, in connection with the death.
The incident allegedly took place during the night of August 24 and the early hours of August 25 at the family's residence in Ramnagar, Warje-Malwadi.
According to police, Mahesh returned to his parents' home in an intoxicated condition on the night of August 24 and demanded that mutton or other non-vegetarian food be prepared for dinner.
The family, however, had been abstaining from non-vegetarian food during Shravan and refused his demand.
Argument over food allegedly turns violent
Police said the refusal triggered an argument between Mahesh and his parents, which soon escalated into violence.
Investigators allege that Mahesh was repeatedly punched and kicked and sustained injuries to his head and face. He was bleeding following the assault and later became unresponsive.
Senior Inspector Mahesh Bolkotgi said Mahesh allegedly consumed alcohol regularly and that disputes between him and his parents had occurred in the past.
Mahesh's elder brother, 34, lives nearby, while his sister was reportedly staying with the family.
Police said the parents attempted to wake Mahesh at around 4 am on August 25 but received no response.
Instead of immediately disclosing the alleged assault, the couple allegedly approached their elder son and claimed Mahesh had returned home at around 2 am in an intoxicated and injured condition. They allegedly suggested that he might have met with an accident before reaching home.
However, their account raised suspicion because Mahesh's elder brother had reportedly seen him reaching the family home much earlier, at around 8.30 pm on August 24.
Post-mortem raises suspicion
The case initially appeared to have been presented as an accidental death, but investigators began probing the circumstances after inconsistencies emerged in the family's version of events.
Police said the post-mortem examination subsequently indicated that Mahesh had suffered serious internal injuries.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Sagar Kavde said the post-mortem findings also pointed to injuries caused by a hard impact to the head and strangulation.
Following the findings and a complaint lodged by Mahesh's elder brother, Warje-Malwadi police registered a murder case and arrested his parents.
Investigators allege that Bhagwat assaulted his son during the confrontation, while Parvati has been accused of assisting in concealing or destroying evidence and attempting to portray the death as an accident.
Police probe family's attempt to conceal death
Police are now investigating the exact sequence of events during the hours between Mahesh's arrival at the house and the discovery of his death.
According to police, Mahesh had been married for around a decade and had two children. He had reportedly separated from his wife, who was living with the children at her parents' home. Investigators said marital problems were linked to allegations concerning his drinking habit and irregular employment.
Mahesh reportedly visited his parents' house frequently for meals. Police said his alleged alcohol consumption had been a recurring source of disputes within the family.
The fatal confrontation on August 24 allegedly began over his insistence on having mutton despite the family's decision not to consume non-vegetarian food during Shravan.
Both parents have been taken into custody, while Warje-Malwadi police are conducting further investigation to establish their respective roles in the alleged assault and the subsequent attempt to conceal the circumstances surrounding Mahesh's death.
Comments
Post a Comment